Islamicworld

(Ankara-AlummahWorld, Rajab 05, 1437, April 12, 2016) King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Suud of Saudi Arabia receivedawarmand unprecedented welcome in Turkey. The King Salman is in Turkey to pay an official visit at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who welcomed King Salman bin Abdulaziz at Ankara Esenboga Airport.

President Erdogan accompanied his guest King Salman bin Abdulaziz to the hotel where King Salman bin Abdulaziz is staying.

King Salman is scheduled to attend the 13th Islamic Summit Conference of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on April 14-15, 2016 in Istanbul.

Prior to the meeting, President Erdogan welcomed King Salman bin Abdulaziz with an official ceremony at the Presidential Complex. Attending the welcoming ceremony were Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Deputy Prime Minister Lutfi Elvan, Minister of Transportation, Maritime Affairs and Communications Binali Yıldırım, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Berat Albayrak, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mahir Ünal, Chief of General Staff General Hulusi Akar, Religious Affairs President Mehmet Gormez, Mayor of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Melih Gokçek and other officials.

During the ceremony, national anthems of the two countries were played and a 21-gun-salute was fired. After the national anthems were played, King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Suud inspected the guard of honor.

Following the introduction of the delegations to the leaders, King Salman bin Abdulaziz and President Erdogan posed for the press and then proceeded to the Presidential Complex.

King Salman was presented with the Order of the State by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In his speech at the ceremony, President Erdogan said: “The deepening cooperation between Turkey and Saudi Arabia in all spheres is an opportunity for regional and global peace.”

The Order of the State is conferred by the President to the Heads of State. It is the highest order awarded to foreign nationals by the President of the Republic of Turkey. The ceremony was held at the Presidential Complex.

Greeting his guests, President Erdogan said: “We have gathered here today to present Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud with the Order of the State.”

Noting that the Order of the State is the highest order awarded to foreign nationals by the President of the Republic of Turkey, President Erdogan said the order, presented today, is a symbol of the strong appreciation for the efforts exerted to strengthen the friendly ties and relations between the two countries.

President Erdogan said to King Salman bin Abdulaziz: “My dear Friend and my august Brother; since you ascended the throne in Saudi Arabia, you have greatly contributed to enhancing the friendly relations between our countries. You have displayed strong will to strengthen the friendly and brotherly ties between our peoples, which have roots in history. In our geography that is confronted with great problems, you have ensured regional peace, security and stability with your astute leadership. In this regard, the cooperation and solidarity you have displayed with our country is beyond all praise. The further deepening cooperation between Turkey and Saudi Arabia in all spheres, thanks to your support, is an opportunity for regional and global peace.”

Expressing his belief that they will continue to take decisive steps to reinforce the cooperation between the two countries in all spheres, President Erdogan ended his speech as follows: “You historic visit today is a very powerful and meaningful message about the future of our relations. I am greatly pleased to present Your Excellency with this order, which will be the most distinguished symbol of our long-established friendship and brotherhood.”

Following his speech, President Erdogan presented King Salman bin Abdulaziz with the Order of the State.

In his speech, King Salman bin Abdulaziz expressed his gratitude for the order and praised their relations with the Turkish people and government.

After the ceremony, President Erdogan hosted an official luncheon at the Presidential Complex in honor of King Salman bin Abdulaziz.